Trees

Acer rubrum 'Frank Jr.'

Redpointe red maple

Red maple in full autumn color. Species shown, not the Redpointe cultivar. Asurnipal / CC BY-SA 4.0.

Redpointe combines a broadly pyramidal crown with a strong central leader and dark green foliage. Bright red autumn color follows the summer canopy. The breeder emphasizes its branch angles and relatively rapid growth, giving this red maple a defined upright structure while still requiring space for a full-sized shade tree.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun to part shade
Size: Height: 45 ft · Width: 30 ft
Water: Average to moist; well-drained soil
Hardiness: USDA 5 (cold-hardiness rating)

Sizes & prices

#25$329.99

Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

Ask about this plant

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Landscape use & tree form

Use: Shade tree
Foliage: Deciduous
Planting space: Surface roots can lift nearby paving and compete with plants beneath the canopy.
Growth rate: Fast
Form: Broadly pyramidal with a central leader

Resistance & tolerances

Deer: Deer browse young shoots; occasional severe damage is reported for red maple.
Drought: Some tolerance once established; water in extended dry spells.
Wet soil: Species tolerates occasional flooding and wet soil; avoid prolonged stagnant saturation.
Clay soil: Tolerated; slightly acidic soil is preferred.

Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.

Pollinators & wildlife

Attracts: Pollinators
Caterpillar host: Moths
Birds: Seeds provide food

Native range

Native range / parentage: Cultivar of eastern North American red maple, a Cincinnati-region native species. Cultivated selection of a Kentucky-native species; not wild local stock.
Tristate native status: Cultivated selection of a Kentucky-native species; not wild local stock.

Seasonal interest

Fall color: Bright red

Growing & care

Site: Prefers slightly acidic soil. Allow space between surface roots and paving.
Pruning: Prune lightly, removing dead, damaged or rubbing branches while preserving the natural outline. For elective cuts, wait until the leaves are fully expanded to reduce maple sap bleeding; large limbs need a qualified arborist.
Soil: Prefers moist, slightly acidic soil; clay is tolerated. Alkaline soil can cause manganese chlorosis.

Sources & photo credits

J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co.

NC State Extension

University of Minnesota Extension

Iowa State University Extension

Montana State University Extension

horticulture.mgcafe.uky.edu

Photo: Asurnipal / CC BY-SA 4.0; resized and converted to WebP · CC BY-SA 4.0

Image notes: Red maple in full autumn color. Species shown, not the Redpointe cultivar. Asurnipal / CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized and converted to WebP.

Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.